Perspectives on Implementation: Challenges and Successes of a Program Designed to Support Expectant and Parenting Community College Students in Rural, Midwestern State

Natoshia Askelson; Grace Ryan; Felicia Pieper; Whitney Bash-Brooks; Addie Rasmusson; Mary Greene; Amy Buckert

doi:10.1007/s10995-020-02879-6

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Perspectives on Implementation: Challenges and Successes of a Program Designed to Support Expectant and Parenting Community College Students in Rural, Midwestern State

Journal article

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Perspectives on Implementation: Challenges and Successes of a Program Designed to Support Expectant and Parenting Community College Students in Rural, Midwestern State

Natoshia Askelson, Grace Ryan, Felicia Pieper, Whitney Bash-Brooks, Addie Rasmusson, Mary Greene and Amy Buckert

Maternal and child health journal, Vol.24(Suppl 2), pp.152-162

2020

DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-02879-6

PMCID: PMC7497370

PMID: 32026229

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Abstract

Objectives: Expectant and parenting students (EPS) at community colleges are an underserved and often under-resourced group. In a rural, Midwestern state, the department of public health was awarded the Pregnancy Assistance Fund (PAF) grant to assist this population. This paper outlines the results of the implementation evaluation and offers suggestions for programs and evaluators working with this population in the community college setting. Methods: We conducted a multicomponent evaluation utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. Evaluation activities included tracking activities/services, surveys and interviews with participants, and interviews with community college staff implementing grant activities. The research team calculated frequencies for quantitative data and coded qualitative data for themes. Results: Data from the community colleges and students’ self-reports revealed that EPS most commonly received concrete support from the program, often in the form of stipends or gift cards. Students reported that concrete support was beneficial and helped to relieve financial stress during the semester. Students’ major barriers to participation were lack of knowledge about the program and busy schedules that prevented them from accessing PAF services. Staff reported that difficulty identifying EPS and the short one-year project period were major implementation challenges. Conclusions for Practice: We recommend that community colleges work to identify EPS, use fellow EPS to recruit program participants, and implement programming that works with the students’ schedules.

Community college

Implementation evaluation

Parenting

Student parents

Details

Title: Subtitle: Perspectives on Implementation: Challenges and Successes of a Program Designed to Support Expectant and Parenting Community College Students in Rural, Midwestern State
Creators: Natoshia Askelson - 310 S. Grand Ave, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
Grace Ryan - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
Felicia Pieper - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
Whitney Bash-Brooks - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
Addie Rasmusson - 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52246 USA
Mary Greene - 321 E 12th St, 6th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319 USA
Amy Buckert - 321 E 12th St, 6th Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319 USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Maternal and child health journal, Vol.24(Suppl 2), pp.152-162
DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-02879-6
PMID: 32026229
PMCID: PMC7497370
NLM abbreviation: Matern Child Health J
ISSN: 1092-7875
eISSN: 1573-6628
Publisher: Springer US
Grant note: ;
Language: English
Date published: 2020
Academic Unit: Institute for Public Health Practice; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9984214793602771

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